New Books in Economics
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
Darryl Campbell, "Fatal Abstraction: Why the Managerial Class Loses Control of Software" (W. W. Norton, 2025)
Darryl Campbell, author of "Fatal Abstraction" and former tech employee at Amazon and Uber, dives into the dangers of managerialism in tech. He critiques how the focus on short-term profits compromises product safety and ethical standards, using alarming examples like the Boeing 737 MAX. Campbell advocates for empowering engineers over financially driven managerial decisions, while also unpacking the misconceptions surrounding AI. He emphasizes a need for transparency in corporate communication and the role of whistleblowers in fostering an ethical culture.
May 9, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ruth Braunstein, "My Tax Dollars: The Morality of Taxpaying in America" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Ruth Braunstein, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut, dives into the moral complexities of taxpaying in America. She discusses how different groups—from antiwar activists to tax resisters—view taxes as both a civic duty and a source of moral conflict. Braunstein highlights the transformative power of taxation rituals and the broader societal implications, revealing how personal beliefs shape attitudes toward taxes. This enlightening conversation explores the intersection of ethics, civic engagement, and the diverse meanings behind 'my tax dollars'.
May 8, 2025 • 41min
Sandra Matz, "Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior" (HBRP, 2025)
Sandra Matz, a David W. Zelaznik Associate Professor of Business at Columbia, dives into the intricate dynamics between human behavior and algorithms. She reveals how digital footprints can predict and influence our choices, exploring both the dangers of manipulation, as seen in scandals like Cambridge Analytica, and the potential for positive change in areas like mental health. Matz also discusses how algorithms can understand us better than close friends and the implications of this on our perception of free will and decision-making.
May 7, 2025 • 1h 29min
Liz Pelly, "Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist" (Atria, 2025)
Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," discusses the troubling impact of Spotify on artists, particularly those in niche genres. Joined by Jozefien Vanharpe, a professor of intellectual property law, and Nick Yule, head of legal at AEPO Artis, they delve into how curated playlists benefit streaming services at the expense of musicians. The conversation also touches on the inequities in music revenue, the role of ghost artists, and the challenges faced by independent musicians in the digital age.
12 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
Laleh Khalili, "Extractive Capitalism: How Commodities and Cronyism Drive the Global Economy" (Profile Books, 2025)
Laleh Khalili, a political science professor at the University of Exeter, delves into the hidden workings of extractive capitalism. She highlights how global trade, reliant on commodities like oil and sand, perpetuates inequality. The conversation reveals the struggles of seafarers from the Global South, contrasts yacht culture with extreme economic disparity, and critiques modern initiatives like Saudi Arabia's NEOM project. Khalili underscores the legacy of colonial exploitation, connecting past practices to contemporary extraction dynamics.
May 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
Jessica Smith on Engineering and Public Accountability in Energy Industries
Jessica Smith, Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, shares her insights on engineering and public accountability in energy and mining. She reflects on her roots in coal country and discusses her book, 'Extracting Accountability.' Smith highlights the stereotypes surrounding engineers, the integration of social responsibility in engineering practices, and the challenges faced in mining and petroleum industries. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and community engagement in navigating the complex dynamics of energy transition and carbon management.
14 snips
May 4, 2025 • 49min
Jerome Powell: “We don't think you're a straight shooter"
Nick Timiraos, the Chief Economics Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and known as the 'Fed whisperer,' dives into Jerome Powell's tumultuous tenure as the Federal Reserve Chair. He discusses how Powell navigated the pandemic's economic fallout and faced political scrutiny from President Trump. Timiraos provides insights into the Fed's influence on global markets and reflects on the challenges of maintaining monetary policy independence amid political pressures, especially in light of upcoming elections and public perceptions of the Fed's efficacy.
7 snips
May 3, 2025 • 58min
Janet Yellen: “She had a view that the world was on fire”
In this insightful discussion, Jon Hilsenrath, author of "Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval," highlights Janet Yellen's assertive leadership as the first female Fed Chair. He contrasts her bulldog approach with Ben Bernanke's consensus style, arguing that she viewed the economy as a fire needing immediate action. They delve into her groundbreaking work on inflation targeting, her crisis management during the 2007-2008 financial meltdown, and the ongoing disconnect between economic policies and everyday American experiences.
21 snips
May 2, 2025 • 43min
Ben Bernanke: “Like being a paleontologist”
David Wessel, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and director at the Brookings Institution, dives into the tumultuous years of Ben Bernanke's tenure at the Fed. He reflects on the impact of Bernanke's deep understanding of the Great Depression on his decision-making during the 2008 financial crisis. Wessel reveals the complexities of inflation targeting and the personal toll on leaders navigating economic turmoil. He also discusses critical choices, like the failure of Lehman Brothers, and how these decisions shaped public perception of the Federal Reserve.
11 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
Amanda D. Lotz, "After Mass Media: Storytelling for Microaudiences in the Twenty-First Century" (NYU Press, 2025)
In this discussion, Amanda D. Lotz, a professor at Queensland University of Technology and author of a compelling new book, explores the evolution of storytelling in the digital age. She emphasizes the shift from mass audiences to microaudiences, revealing how niche content thrives in the modern media landscape. The conversation dives into the impact of streaming services, the redefinition of television quality, and the necessity for diverse narratives. Lotz encourages innovative approaches to engage today's audiences, highlighting the importance of adaptability in storytelling.
